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On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army marking the creation of America’s first national military force more than a year before the Declaration of Independence: https://www.army.mil/1775/timeline.html

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Although some of them probably did not own a dress uniform like the period costumes above, I've been able to trace 4 of my direct ancestors back to the Continental Army: one a captain, one a major, one a private who was just 16 years old, and one whose ranks still remains unknown to me.

Despite today's momentous anniversary of the army being sadly politicalized (read the news for today's date), I still have great respect for the men and women who have served our country from 1775 forward. Hopefully, their origins, what they've done for America, and why they have existed until now will not be lost.

The Trump Birthday Parade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccuiHKndhz4 cost the American taxpayers $45 million, without including the cleanup and road repairs afterwards. OUCH!!! Was that necessary?

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Today was more political than purely honorary:

Timing and symbolism: The parade coincided exactly with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, and he was the central figure throughout the event. He delivered a speech, received a folded American flag (a gesture typically reserved for families of fallen soldiers), and was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” by attendees.

While the Army had long planned to mark its 250th anniversary, the parade component was added later, reportedly at Trump’s insistence. Critics said this shifted the tone from solemn commemoration to political theater

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Nevertheless, congratulations to the US Army on their 250th Anniversary. This day was supposed to be about you and your history. This celebratory part of the parade was a delight to see. About 1,000 participating soldiers wore period costumes representing major American conflicts—including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. The parade opened with Revolutionary War reenactors, complete with tricorn hats and wool coats, followed by Civil War troops and World War-era soldiers marching in authentic gear. This mirrored my family's history in the army.

The attention to detail was part of a broader effort to tell the Army’s story visually, with each era getting a timed segment in the 90-minute parade. It wasn’t just a show of force—it was a living timeline of American military history. Bravo!!!

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The rest??? Frankly, I only watched the news later. No one sang Happy Birthday to the army... And tanks rolling down an American street was a little unsettling.

Based on the limited number of people in attendance, this "historical" part of the event seemed rather insignificant. Attention was elsewhere during the event. No former, living presidents (4 of them) was in attendance. The $45 Million PLUS, grand spectacle was not primarily a Once-in-a Lifetime Anniversary Army historical celebration. Americans were overpaying for this with their tax dollars, today's parade for the current president. Yet the DC event was the voice of politics overrode what should have been - for all Americans- a time to honor of those who served to keep America a free country since even before it's very beginnings.

To quote a former President: "God bless America and may God protect our troops."